Catalyst system based on fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a catalyst system based on fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes, to a method of producing said catalyst system and to the use thereof for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins and/or dienes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a catalyst system based on fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes, to a method of producing said catalyst system and a process for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins and/or dienes using such catalyst systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the discovery of ferrocene, metal complexes with cyclopentadienyl ligands have been intensively investigated. The use of biscyclopentadienyl-metal complexes (metallocenes), in admixture with activating co-catalysts, preferably alumoxanes, for the polymerization of olefins and diolefins has long been known (e.g., EP-A 69,951, 129,368, 351,392, 485,821, 485,823). Metallocenes have proved to be highly effective, specific catalysts for the polymerization of olefins. In combination with co-catalysts, metal complexes with only one cyclopentadienyl ligand (semi-sandwich complexes) are also suitable as specific polymerization catalysts (U.S. Pat. No. 5,132,380, EP 416,815, WO 91/04257, WO 96/13529). There is therefore a multiplicity of new metallocene catalysts or semi-sandwich catalysts for the polymerization of olefinic compounds which have been developed in recent years in order to increase catalyst activity and selectivity and to control the microstructure, molecular weights and molecular weight distribution thereof. Metal complexes with cyclopentadienyl ligands, particularly chiral ansa-metallocenes, have also been described as hydrogenation catalysts, e.g., for olefins or imines (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1993,115,12569. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994,116, 8952-8965). Chiral metallocenes are also used as catalysts in asymmetric synthesis, e.g. for asymmetric Diels-Alder reactions (J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1995, 1181).

However, relatively little is known about metal complexes with fulvene ligands.

According to Bercaw et al., JACS (1972), 94, 1219, the fulvene complex (η⁶-2,3,4,5-tetra-methylcyclopentadienyl-1-methylene)(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)titanium-methyl is formed by the thermolysis of bis(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-titaniumdimethyl. T. J. Marks et al., JACS (1988), 110, 7701 have described the thermolysis of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl complexes of zirconium and hafnium. The fulvene complex (η⁶-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-1-methylene)(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconiumphenyl is formed by the thermolysis of bis(η⁵-penta-methylcyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdiphenyl.

Metal fulvene complexes and a method of producing them were described in a previous Application (German Patent Application 19 756 742.8). Metal fulvene complexes which cannot be obtained by a thermal method can be obtained in high yield by the reaction of a fulvene compound with a suitable transition metal complex in the presence of a reducing agent. The direct introduction of the fulvene ligand provides access to a multiplicity of new fulvene metal complexes. In combination with co-catalysts, specific polymerization catalysts can be produced, the catalytic activity of which is comparable with the activity of catalysts based on metallocenes.

A method for the thermal production of metal fulvene complexes and their use as polymerization catalysts in combination with co-catalysts are described in the prior Application DE 19 732 804.0. In combination with co-catalysts, specific polymerization catalysts can be produced, the catalytic activity of which is comparable with the activity of catalysts based on metallocenes. One disadvantage is that metal fulvene complexes are extremely sensitive to air and moisture. Metal fulvene complexes therefore have to be produced and stored under inert gas conditions.

Little is known about the reaction behavior of metal fulvene complexes. The reaction of aldehydes and ketones with the complex compound (η⁶-cyclopentadienyl-1-methylene)(η⁵-methylcyclopenta-dienyl)phenyltitanium is described in Z. Naturforsch. 44 b, 1989, 1593-1598. The reaction of (η⁶-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclo-pentadienyl-1-methylene)(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)titanium chloride with acetophenone is described in Organometallics, 1991, 10, 1637-1639. The reaction of isonitriles with pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-tetramethylfulvene complexes of titanium and zirconium is described in Organometallics 1991, 10, 2665-2671. On their own, however, the reaction products described above exhibit no activity for the polymerization of olefinic compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention was to identify a catalyst system, which, at least in part, avoids the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object was to identify stable catalysts which can be synthesized in a simple manner and which are easy to handle industrially, and which can be activated without problems for the polymerization of olefinic compounds in particular.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that catalyst systems based on fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes, in combination with unsaturated compounds which contain one or more hetero atoms, are particularly suitable for the achievement of the stated object.

The present invention relates to a catalyst system which can be produced by the reaction of

a) a fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex of formula (I):

wherein

M is a metal of the group comprising titanium, zirconium and hafnium,

A denotes a cyclopentadienyl of formula C₅H_(q)R⁷ _(5−q), where q represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, an idenyl of formula C₉H_(7−r)R⁷ _(r), where r represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, or a fluorenyl of formula C₁₃H_(9−p)R⁷ _(p), where p represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8,

X denotes a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, a halogen atom or an amide of formula NR⁷ ₂,

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano group, a C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ fluoroalkyl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ fluoroaryl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₂₀ aryl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkynyl group, a silyl group substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocaarbon radicals, a sulphide group substituted by a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radical, or an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶each form one or more aliphatic or aromatic ring systems together with the atoms which bond them, which ring systems may contain one or more hetero atoms (O, N, S) and comprise 5 to 10 carbon atoms,

R⁷ represents hydrogen, a C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₆ to C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a silyl group which is substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an amino group which is optionally substituted a silyl group which is substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals,

b) an unsaturated compound of formula (II):

R⁸ _(a)R⁹ _(b)CY  (II),

wherein

R⁸ and R⁹ are the same or different, and denote a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group which is optionally substituted by halogen atoms, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an imino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals,

Y denotes a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or a group of formula NR¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ has the same meaning as R⁸ and R⁹, and

a and b represent the numbers 0 or 1,

and subsequent reaction of the product with

c) a co-catalyst.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an X-ray structural analysis performed from compound 5 of Example 5.

FIG. 2 shows An X-ray structural analysis performed from compound 24 in Example 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The molar ratio of component a) to component c) advantageously falls within the range from 1:0.1 to 1:10,000, preferably from 1:0.5 to 1:1000, most preferably from 1:1 to 1:1000.

The compounds which are preferably used as unsaturated compounds of formula (II) comprise compounds of formula (IIa):

wherein

R⁸, R⁹ and Y have the meanings given above and R⁸ and R⁹ optionally, form a ring system, which may contain one or more hetero atoms (O, N, S), with the carbon atom which bonds them, or compounds of formula (IIb),

R¹¹—C≡N  (IIb)

or compounds of formula (IIc),

C≡N—R¹¹  (IIc)

or compounds of formula (IId)

R¹¹—N═C═Y  (IId)

wherein Y represents an oxygen atom or a sulphur atom, and

R¹¹ denotes a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group which is optionally substituted by halogen atoms, C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group or a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group.

Compounds of formula (IIa) are particularly preferred in which Y represents an oxygen atom and R⁸ and R⁹ have the meanings given above. Compounds such as these comprise aldehydes such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, n-butyraldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, pivalinaldehyde, octanal, octadecenal, acrolein, crotonaldehyde, benzaldehyde or furfural for example, dialdehydes such as glyoxal for example, and ketones, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, hexanone-(2), hexanone-(3), methyl tert.-butyl ketone, di-n-propyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, diisobutyl ketone, di-tert.-butyl ketone, dicyclohexyl ketone, methyl cyclohexyl ketone, diamyl ketone, heptadecyl phenyl ketone, mesitylene oxide, phorone, isophorone, acetophenone, 4-fluoroacetophenone, 3.5-di(trifluoro-methyl)-acetophenone, pentamethylacetophenone, benzophenone, 4,4′-difluorobenzo-phenone, decafluoro-benzophenone, benzal acetone, deoxybenzoin, cyclohexanone, menthone, camphor, and fluorenone for example, and diketones, such as diacetylacetylacetone for example, esters of carboxylic acids, such as ethyl acetate or benzyl benzoate for example.

The preferred compounds of formula (IIb) include nitriles, such as acetonitrile, n-butyronitrile, 4-chlorophenyinitrile, pivalic acid nitrile and cinnamic acid nitrile for example. The preferred compounds of formula (IIc) include isonitriles, such as 2,6-di-methylphenylisonitrile for example. The preferred compounds of formula (IId) include isocyanates and thioisocyanates, such as cyclohexyl isocyanate and methyl isocyanate, for example.

Other preferred compounds of formula (II) include unsaturated compounds of formula (IIa) in which Y denotes a group of formula NR¹⁰ and R⁸ and R⁹ have the meanings given above. Compounds such as these comprise imines, such as acetophenone benzylimine for example, and hydrazones, such as acetophenone hydrazone for example.

The present invention further relates to a method of producing the catalyst system. Components a), b) and c) of the catalyst system according to the present invention are reacted in a fixed sequence, wherein components a) and b) are first reacted with each other. This reaction can be conducted by reacting component a) in a suitable solvent with component b) at room temperature. The molar ratio of a) to b) falls within the range from 100:1 to 0.1:1, preferably from 10:1 to 0.5:1. The resulting reaction product can be isolated and can be brought into contact with component c) in a separate reaction step. Prior isolation of the reaction product from the reaction of components a) and b) can also optionally be omitted. The molar ratio of a) to c) advantageously falls within the range from 1:0.1 to 1:10,000, and is preferably between 1:0.5 and 1:5000, most preferably between 1:1 and 1:1000. Suitable solvents include aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons. Examples thereof include unbranched aliphatic hydrocarbons such as butane, pentane, hexane, heptane or octane, branched aliphatic hydrocarbons such as isobutane, isopentane or isohexane, cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or methylcyclohexane, aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene. Hexane or toluene is preferred. Mixtures of different solvents are also suitable.

Production of the catalyst system according to the present invention is conducted with the exclusion of air and water under inert conditions (protective gas technique). Examples of inert gases include nitrogen and argon. The Schlenk technique which is generally customary for organometallic substances is suitable as the protective gas technique, for example.

Fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes of formula (I) can be synthesized by the reaction of a transition metal compound of formula (III):

AX_(s)L_(n)M  (III),

wherein

A, X and M have the meanings given above,

L represents a neutral ligand,

s denotes the numbers 1, 2 or 3, and

n is a number from 0 to 4,

with a fulvene compound of formula (IV):

wherein

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ have the meanings given above, in the presence of a reducing agent. Examples of suitable reducing agents include alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, C₁-C₆ alkyllithium, tri-C₁-C₆ alkylaluminum compounds and Grignard reagents. The reducing agents which are particularly preferred are lithium, sodium amalgam, magnesium and n-butyl lithium. The reaction is preferably conducted in an ether, such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran for example.

The preferred compounds of formula (IV) are fulvene compounds of formula (V):

or fulvene compounds of formula (VI):

wherein

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ have the meanings given above.

Compounds of formula (IV) which are particularly preferred include 6-cyclohexylfulvene, 6-iso-propylfulvene, 6-tert-butylfulvene, 6-phenyl-fulvene, 6-(dimethylamino)-fulvene, 6,6-bis(dimethylamino)fulvene, 6,6-dimethylfulvene, 6,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)fulvene, 6,6-diphenylfulvene, 6,6-bis(pentafluorophenyl)fulvene, 6,6-pentamethylenefulvene, 6,6-tetra-methylenefulvene, 6,6-trimethylenefulvene 2-(2,4-cyclopentadien-1-ylidene)-1,3-dithiolane, 5-benzylidene-1,2,3-triphenyl-1,3-cyclo-pentadiene, 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-fulvene, 1,2,3,4-tetraphenylfulvene, 2,3-dimethylfulvene, 2,3-diisopropylfulvene, 2,3-diphenylfulvene, 1,4-dimethyl-2,3-diphenylfulvene and 1,4-diethyl-2,3-diphenylfulvene.

The production of special fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes of formula (I) by a thermal method, wherein the R¹ and R² radicals denote hydrogen, is known, and is described by T. J. Marks, et al. in Organometallics 1987, 6, 232-241, for example.

The preferred fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complexes of formula (I) are those in which

R¹ to R⁶ represent a C₁-C₃₀ alkyl group, a C₆-C₁₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl group, and in particular, represent hydrogen, methyl, trifluoromethyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert.-butyl, phenyl, pentafluorophenyl, methyl-phenyl, cyclohexyl or benzyl,

A represents cyclopentadienyl, methylcyclopentadienyl, benzylcyclopentadienyl, propylcyclopentadienyl, n-butyl-cyclopentadienyl, iso-butylcyclopentadienyl, t-butylcyclopentadienyl, cyclopentylcyclopentadienyl, octadecylcyclo-pentadienyl, 1,2-dimethylcyclopentadienyl, 1,3-dimethylcyclopentadienyl, 1,3-di-isopropyl-cyclopentadienyl, 1,3-di-t-butylcyclopentadienyl, 1-ethyl-2-methyl-cyclopentadienyl, 1-isopropyl-3-methylcyclopentadienyl, 1-(n-butyl )-3-methylcyclopentadienyl, 1-(t-butyl )-3-methylcyclopentadienyl, pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-cyclopentadienyl, 1,2,4-trimethyl-cyclopentadienyl, 1,2,4-tri-isopropyl-cyclopentadienyl, 1,2,4-tri(t-butyl)-cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, tetrahydroindenyl, 2-methylindenyl, 4,7-dimethylindenyl, 2-methyl-4,5-benzoindenyl, 2-methyl-4-phenylindenyl, fluorenyl or 9-methyl-fluorenyl,

X denotes chlorine, methyl, benzyl, neopentyl or phenyl,

and M has the meaning given above.

Formula (I) which is given for the metal fulvene complexes should be considered as a formal representation of the bonding relationships, and constitutes one example of a structural variant. The bonding relationships in these metal complexes depend, amongst other factors, on the central atom, on the oxidation state, and on the substituents on the fulvene-ligand.

Suitable co-catalysts for polymerization processes include the co-catalysts which are known in the field of metallocene catalysis, such as polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxanes, Lewis acids, and aluminates and borates. In this connection, reference is made in particular to Macromol. Symp. Vol. 97, July 1995, pages 1-246 (for alumoxanes) and to EP 277003, EP 277004, Organometallics 1997, 16. 842-857 (for borates), and to EP 573403 (for aluminates).

Co-catalysts which are particularly suitable include methyl-aluminoxane, methylalumoxane which is modified by triisobutylaluminum, diisobutylalumoxane, trialkylaluminum compounds such as trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum or triisooctylaluminum, and also dialkylaluminum compounds such as diisobutylaluminum hydride, diisobutylaluminum fluoride and diethylaluminum chloride, substituted triarylaluminum compounds such as tris-(pentafluorophenyl)-aluminum, ionic compounds which contain tetrakis-(penta-fluorophenyl)aluminate as their anion, such as triphenylmethyl-tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl)aluminate, as well as N,N-dimethylanilinium-tetrakis-(pentafluorophenyl)aluminate, substituted triarylboron compounds such as tris-(pentafluorophenyl)boron, and ionic compounds which contain tetrakis(pentafluorphenyl)borate as their anion, such as triphenylmethyl tetrakis-(pentafluorophenyl)borate, and N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluor-phenyl)-borate. Mixtures of different co-catalysts can also be used.

The term “polymerization” is to be understood here to mean both homo- and copolymerization of olefins and/or dienes. The following olefins in particular are used for polymerization: C₂-C₁₀ alkenes such as ethylene, propylene, butene-l, pentene-1 and hexene-l, octene-1, isobutylene, and arylalkenes such as styrene. The following are used in particular as dienes: conjugated dienes such as 1,3-butadiene, isoprene or 1,3-pentadiene, and unconjugated dienes such as 1,4-hexadiene, 1,5-heptadiene, 5,7-dimethyl-l,6-octadiene, 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-vinyl-2-norbornene and dicyclopentadiene.

The catalysts according to the invention are suitable for the production of polyethylene and of ethylene (co)polymers, and are particularly suitable for the production of rubbers based on copolymers of ethylene with one or more of the aforementioned α-olefins and of the aforementioned dienes. The catalysts according to the invention are also suitable for the polymerization of cyclo-olefins such as norbornene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene and cyclooctene, and are suitable for the copolymerization of cycloolefins with ethylene or α-olefins.

Polymerization can be conducted in the liquid phase, in the presence or absence of an inert solvent, or in the gas phase. Suitable solvents include aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and/or toluene, or aliphatic hydrocarbons such as propane, hexane, heptane, octane, isobutane, cyclohexane or mixtures of different hydrocarbons.

It is possible to use the catalyst system according to the present invention deposited on a support. Examples of suitable support materials include inorganic or organic polymeric supports, such as silica, zeolites, carbon black, activated carbon, alumina, polystyrene or polypropylene, for example.

The catalysts according to the invention can be deposited on support materials in the customary manner. Methods of supporting catalyst systems are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,561, 4,912,075, 5,008,228 and 4,914,253.

Polymerization is generally conducted at pressures of 1 to 1000 bar, preferably 1 to 100 bar, and at temperatures of −100 to +250° C., preferably 0 to +150° C. Polymerization can be effected in customary reactors, either continuously or batch-wise.

The invention is explained in greater detail by means of the following examples.

General information: the preparation and handling of organometallic compounds was effected with the exclusion of air and moisture under a protective argon atmosphere (Schlenk technique). All the requisite solvents were rendered absolute before use by boiling for several hours over a suitable drying agent followed by distillation under argon.

Abbreviations

Cp*: C₅(CH₃)₅

Fv*: C₅(CH₃)₄=CH₂

Ph: C₆H₅

THF: tetrahydrofurane

MS: mass spectrum

de: excess of diastereomer

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of Bis(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdiphenyl, [Cp*₂ZrPh₂], Compound 1

3.62 g (8.37 mmoles) bis(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-zirconium dichloride were suspended in 60 ml diethyl ether, the suspension obtained was cooled to −78° C. and 13.90 ml (25.0 mmoles) PhLi were added drop-wise thereto. The batch was then allowed to warm up to room temperature ({tilde over (=)}25° C.) and was stirred overnight. The suspension was evaporated to dryness under high vacuum and the residue was taken up in 40 ml hexane. This suspension was filtered and the resulting solution was concentrated by evaporation to half its volume, whereupon a white solid was precipitated. The suspension was cooled to −20° C. to effect further crystallization. The solution was decanted and the remaining product was dried under high vacuum. 2.94 g (68%) Cp*₂ZrPh₂ were obtained.

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of η6-(2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl-1-methylene)(η⁵-penta-methyl-cyclopentadienyl)phenylzirconium, [Cp* Fv*ZrPh], Compound 2

4.20 g (8.14 mmoles) Cp*₂ZrPh₂were prepared as in Example 1 and were dissolved in 20 ml toluene. The yellow solution was heated at 1110° C. for 6 hours, whereupon the solvent was removed under high vacuum both whilst heating and after cooling. The residue was taken up in a little hexane and was crystallized at −20° C. The mother liquor was decanted and the crystals were dried under high vacuum. 2.56 g (72%) Cp*Fv*ZrPh were obtained as a red crystalline solid.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=0.93, 1.49, 1.66, 1.76 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄=CH₂), 1.70 (s,. 15H, C₅(CH₃)₅), 2.09, 2.21 (d, 1H, ³J(H,H)=6.7 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄=CH ₂), 6.00 (d, 1H, ³J(H,H)=7.4 Hz, o-C₆H₅), 6.99-7.18 (m, 4H, C₆ H ₅) ppm.

¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=10.48, 10.49, 11.92, 13.38 (C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 11.46 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 63.53 (C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂, 118.13 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 117.68, 119.49, 121.66, 125.56,128.99 (C ₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 123.09, 125.28, 125.82, 127.02, 134.32, 194.20 (C ₆H₅) ppm.

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of Compound 3 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Formaldehyde

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.080 g, 0.18 mmoles) in 10 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with paraformaldehyde (0.054 g, 1.83 mmoles) and was stirred overnight. After filtering off the unreacted paraformaldehyde, the clear solution was evaporated to dryness. A whitish yellow powder was obtained, which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (yield: 61% of compound 3).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.41, 1.61 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.74 (s, 15H, C₅(CH₃)₅), 1.75, 1.93 (S. 3H, C,(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 2.42 (ddd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=4.40 Hz, ³J(H,H)=7.39 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.43 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH). 2.47 (ddd, 1H,³J(H,H)=7.39 Hz, ³J(H,H)=7.72 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.43 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 4.80 (ddd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=4.40 Hz, ³J(H,H)=7.39 Hz, ²J(H,H)=10.41 Hz, OCHHCH₂), 5.04 (ddd,1H, ³J(H,H)=7.39 Hz, ³J(H,H) =7.72 Hz, ²J(H,H)=10.41 Hz, OCHHCH₂), 7.05-7.53 (m, 5 H, Zr—C₆H₅) ppm.

¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=10.15, 10.95, 11.17 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.33 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.77 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 28.23 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 82.44 (OCH₂CH₂), 113.70, 114.57, 115.28 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.48 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 122.66 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.43, 125.98, 127.22 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 134.72 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 137.20, 139.43 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 190.51 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm.

MS (70eV) m/e (%): 468 (3) [M⁺], 452 (18) [M⁺—CH₃], 389 (22) [M⁺−Ph], 359 (2), 40(10), 135 (5) [Cp*], 78(15) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of Compound 4 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Acetaldehyde

The red solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.130 g, 0.30 mmoles) was reacted in 10 ml hexane at room temperature with 1.2 equivalents acetaldehyde (0.016 g, 0.36 mmoles) and the batch was stirred for 2 hours and was subsequently evaporated to dryness under high vacuum, whereupon a white solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 4).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.28 (s, 3H, ³J(H,H)=6.04 Hz, —OC(H)(CH ₃)), 1.39, 1.64 (s, 3H, C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 1.73 (s, 15H. C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.75, 1.92 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 2.33 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=9.10 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.76 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 2.47 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=6.10 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.76 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 5.14 (qdd, IH, ³J(H,H)=6.04 Hz, ³J(H,H)=6.10 Hz, ³J(H,H)=9.10 Hz, —OC(H)(CH₃)), 7.05-7.32 (m, 4 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅), 7.63 (m, 1 H, Zr-p-C₆ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=9.90, 10.99 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.16 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.17, 12.24 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 26.40 (—OC(H)(CH₃), 36.19 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 90.62 (—OC(H)(CH₃)CH₂), 112.67, 113.92, 115.11 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.17 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 123.61 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.50, 126.09, 127.33 (Zr—C₆H₅), 133.98 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 136.52, 140.08 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 192.39 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm.

MS (70eV) m/e (%): 480 (5) [M⁺], 465 (18) {M⁺—CH,], 403 (20) [M⁺—Ph], 377 (2), 241 (5), 135 (30) [Cp*], 78 (15) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of Compound 5 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Benzaldehyde

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.145 g, 0.33 mmoles) in 15 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with benzaldehyde (0.035 g, 0.33 mmoles) and the batch was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. After removing the solvent under high vacuum, 0.170 g (95%) compound 5 was obtained, and was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry.

An X-ray structural analysis was performed from compound 5 (FIG. 1). de: ≧98%

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.30, 1.63 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.73 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.76, 2.02 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 2.69 (dd, IH, ³J(H,H) =10.41 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.76 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 2.89 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H) =6.04 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.76 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 6.11 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H) =6.04 Hz, ³J(H,H)=10.41 Hz, —OC(H)(C₆H₅)), 7.05-7.75 (m, 10 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅/—OC(H)(C₆ H ₅)) ppm.

¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=10.18, 11.07 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.28 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.49, 12.31 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 36.77 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 95.80 (—OC(H)(C₆H₅)CH₂), 112.83, 115.22, 115.50 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.69 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 124.18 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.74, 125.21 (—OC(H)(m,p-C ₆H₅)CH₂), 126.26, 126.86, 127.70 (Zr—C₆H₅), 128.68 (—OC(H)(o-C ₆H₅)CH₂), 133.09 (C(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 136.61, 139.14 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 148.52 (—OC(H)(ipso-C ₆H₅)CH₂), 192.35 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 542 (5) [M⁺], 527 (20) [M⁺—CH ], 465 (15) [M⁺—Ph], 379 (5), 241(8), 135 (10) [Cp*], 78 (10) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of Compound 6 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Pivalic Aldehyde

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.125 g, 0.29 mmoles) in 15 ml hexane was reacted at room temperature with pivalic aldehyde (0.025 g, 0.29 mmoles ). A light yellow solution was obtained immediately. After 15 minutes, this solution was evaporated to dryness, whereupon a yellow solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 6).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.03 (s, 9H, —OC(H)(C(CH ₃)₃),1.41, 1.67, 1.69 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.72 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.98 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 2.38 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=6.05 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.43 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 2.56 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=10.74 Hz, ²J(H,H)=13.43 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 4.69 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=6.05 Hz, ³J(H,H)=10.74 Hz, OC(H)(C(CH₃)₃), 7.14 (m, 2H, Zr-o-C₆ H ₅), 7.28 (m, 2H, Zr-m-C₆ H ₅), 7.61 (m, 1H, Zr-p-C₆ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=9.95, 111.01 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.20 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.79, 12.38 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 26.84 (C(CH₃)₃), 28.91 (C(CH₃)₃), 37.33 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 104.28 (—OC(H)(C(CH₃)₃)CH₂), 112.69, 114.99, 115.57 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.39 (C ₅(CH₃)₅),122.76 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.65, 126.25, 127.35 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 134.16 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 136.62, 138.81 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 191.81 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 522 (12) [M⁺], 507 (85) [M⁺—CH₃], 465 [M⁺—tBu], 445 (80) [M⁺—Ph], 360 (10), 223 (20), 135 (100) [Cp*], 78 (70) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of Compound 7 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Acetone

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.230 g, 0.52 mmoles) in 20 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with 1.2 equivalents acetone (0.037 g, 6.30 mmoles) and was stirred overnight. It was subsequently evaporated to dryness under high vacuum, whereupon a white solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 7).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.37 (s, 3H, —OC(CH ₃)₂), 1.42. 1.62 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.72 (s, 3H, —OC(CH ₃)₂), 1.81, 1.85 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.87 (s, 15H, C,(CH ₃)₅), 2.27 (d, 1H,²J(H,H)=13.80 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 2.42 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=13.80 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 7.12-7.28 (m, 3 H, Zr-m,p-CC₆ H ₅), 7.65 (m, 211, Zr-o-C₆ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): 5=11.84 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 13.11, 15.10, 15.74, 17.10, (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 32.63, 36.16 (—OC(CH₃)₂), 38.89 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 112.13, 114.04, 115.13 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 119.82 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 123.07 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 126.65, 127.12 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 134.28 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 138.52 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 184.20 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%). 494 (2) [M⁺], 479 (5) [M⁺—CH₃], 417 (20) [M⁺—Ph], 359 (6), 241 (10), 135 (10) [Cp*], 78 (50) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of Compound 8 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Acetophenone

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.130 g, 0.30 mmoles) in 10 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with acetophenone (0.036 g, 0.30 mmoles). The solution was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. A pale yellow oil was obtained by distilling off the solvent under high vacuum. Recrystallization from pentane gave 142 g of a solid which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry. (yield: 86% of compound 8).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.15, 1.55, 1.58, 1.75 (s. 3H, C₅(CH ₃) 4—CH₂), 1.78 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 2.14 (s, 3H, —OC(CH ₃)(C₆H₅)), 2.90 (d, 1H, J(H,H)=13.76 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.44 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=13.76 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 7.00-7.76 (m, 10 H, Zr—C₆H₅/—OC(CH₃)(C₆ H ₅)) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=11.09, 11.53 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.65 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 12.20, 12.68 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 39.48 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 40.70 (—OC(CH₃)(C₆H₅), 105.12 (—OC(CH₃)(C₆H₅)CH₂), 113.16, 114.79, 119.20 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.78 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 122.45 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.36 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 125.12 (—OC(CH₃)(m—C ₆H₅)CH₂), 125.67, 126.43 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 127.35, 128.57 (—OC(CH₃)(o,p—C ₆H₅)CH₂), 134.41 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 136.93, 139.07 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 153.65 (—OC(CH₃)(ipso-C ₆H₅)CH₂), 190.65 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 556 (8) [M⁺], 54T (20) [M⁺—CH₃], 479 (T2) [M⁺—Ph], 377 (5), 221(25), 135 (50) [Cp*], 105 (55), 78 (5) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 9 Synthesis of Compound 9 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Benzophenone

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.1 80 g, 0.41 mmoles) in 20 ml hexane at room temperature was mixed at room temperature with benzophenone (0.075 g, 0.41 mmoles) and after 15 minutes the solution was evaporated to dryness.

A yellow solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 9).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.24, 1.58 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.68 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.73, 1.81 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 3.62 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H) =14.10 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.84 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=14.10 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 7.05-7.26 (m, 13 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅/—OC(C₆H₅)₂), 7.67 (m, 2H, —OC(C₆ H ₅)₂) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=9.60, 10.08 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 10.31 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 10.78, 11.29 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 36.82 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 105.94 (—OC(C₆H₅)₂), 112.36, 114.66, 119.29 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 117.14 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 121.87 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂),124.36, 124.55 (—OC(C ₆H₅)₂), 126.07, 126.50, 126.63 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 126.93, 127.22, 128.80, 128.96 (—OC(C ₆H₅)₂), 132.04 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 134.87, 136.83 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 151.12, 152.54 (—OC(ipso-C ₆H₅)₂), 189.22 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 619 (1) [M⁺], 603 (5) [M⁺—CH₃]541(2) [M⁺—Ph], 526 (6) [M⁺—Ph—CH₃], 377(15), 439(10), 241(12), 182(65) [Ph₂CO], 15 (100) [PhCO], 105 (55), 78 (70) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 10 Synthesis of Compound 10 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Ethyl Acetate

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.140 g, 0.32 mmoles) in 10 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with ethyl acetate (0.028 g, 0.32 mmoles) and was stirred overnight at room temperature. A yellow solid was obtained by removing the solvent under high vacuum and was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 10).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.37 (t, 3H, ³J(H,H)=7.05 Hz, —OCH₂CH ₃), 1.44, 1.61, 1.66 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂) 1.71 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.73 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.94 (s,1H, (OC(CH ₃) (OC₂H₅), 2.70 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=14.10 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.17 (d, IH, ²J(H,H)=14.10 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.52 (qd, 1H, ²J(H,H)=1.68 Hz, ³J(H,H)=7.05 Hz, —OCHHCH ₃), 3.73 (qd, 1 H, ²J(H,H)=1.34 Hz, J(H,H)=7.05 Hz, —OCHHCH ₃), 7.05 (d, 1H, ³J(H,H) =7.05 Hz, Zr—C₆ H ₅), 718-734 (m, 3 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅), 7.52 (m, 1H, Zr—C₆ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=10.54, 10.95 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.37 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.72, 12.56 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 15.94 (—OCHCH₃), 29.68 (OC(CH₃)(OC₂H₅), 41.11 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 56.99 (—OCH₂CH₃), 113.67, 114.69, 117.22 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.70 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 123.67 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.66, 125.42 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 125.72 (OC(CH₃)(OC₂H₅), 127.16 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 132.57 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 136.68, 138.32 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 191.92 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 478 (15) [M⁺—OCH₂CH₃], 463 (100) [M⁺—OCH₂CH₃—CH₃], 401 (85) [M⁺—OCH₂CH₃—Ph], 359 (5), 223 (12), 135 (10) [Cp*], 78 (20) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 11 Synthesis of Compound 11 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Cyclohexyl Isocyanate

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.145 g. 0.33 mmoles) in 10 ml hexane was reacted at room temperature with cyclohexyl isocyanate (0.042 g, 0.33 mmoles) and stirred for 2 hours. The batch was subsequently evaporated to dryness under high vacuum, whereupon a yellow solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 11). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=0.87 (m, 4H, C₆ H ₁₁), 1.04 (m, 2H, C₆ H ₁₁), 1.23 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.36 (m, 4H, C₆ H ₁₁), 1.50, 1.68 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.69 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.71 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 3.35 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=17.10 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.50 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=17.10 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.99 (m, 1H, C₆ H ₁₁), 6.87 (d, 1 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅), 7.15 (m, 4 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=8.27, 9.43 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 9.71 (C₅(CH ₃)₅), 9.99, 10.21 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 24.39, 24.56, 25.31, 33.93, 34.39 (C ₆H₁₁), 34.67 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 54.21 (ipso-C ₆H₁₁), 113.87, 114.78, 116.48 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 118.62 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 123.18 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 123.61, 125.16, 126.45 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 133.40 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 134.62, 135.20 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 170.63 (—OC═NCy), 191.38 (Zr-ipsoC ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 561(5) [M⁺], 484 (3) [M⁺—Ph], 377 (12) [M⁺—C₆H₁₁NC—Ph], 261(50), 135(100) [Cp*], 78(12) [Ph]

EXAMPLE 12 Polymerization of Ethylene

100 ml toluene were placed in a 250 ml glass reactor, followed by a 0.1 molar solution of triisobutylaluminum in toluene. A solution in 5 ml toluene of 5.6 mg of compound 11 from Example 11 was then added. Ethylene at a pressure of 1.1 bar was subsequently passed continuously into the solution through a gas inlet tube. Polymerization was initiated by adding 2 ml of a solution of triphenylmethyl-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) borate in toluene. The reaction, which proceeded at a temperature of 40° C. and at an ethylene pressure of 1.1 bar, was stopped after a duration of polymerization of 5 minutes by adding 10 ml methanol, and the resulting polymer was filtered off, washed with methanol and dried in a vacuum drying oven. 1.2 g polyethylene were obtained.

EXAMPLE 13 Synthesis of Compound 12 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Methyl Isothiocyanate

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.130 g, 0.30 mmoles) in 10 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with methyl isothiocyanate (0.022 g, 0.30 mmoles) and was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature. A pale yellow solid was obtained by removing the solvent under high vacuum and was characterized by NMR and by mass spectrometry (100% conversion into compound 12).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.26, 1.56, 1.59, 1.70 (s, 3H₁C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.72 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 3.36 (d, 3H, ⁴J(H,H)=1.6 Hz, —SC═N—CH ₃), 3.66 (dq,1H, ²J(H,H)=15.80 Hz, ⁴J(H,H)=1.6 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 3.90 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=15.80 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 6.61 (m, 1 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅), 7.03 (m, 3 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅) 7.33 (m, 1H, Zr—C₆ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=11.26, 11.35, 11.47 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.86 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 12.42 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 32.77 (—SC═N—CH₃), 41.31 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 116.31, 117.23, 118.97 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—C14₂), 120.59 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 120.78 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 121.97, 124.97, 126.56 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 131.34 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH_(2),) 135.21, 140.45 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 183.31 (-SC═NCH₃), 196.29 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 509 (10) [M⁺], 494(20) [M⁺—CH₃], 432 (15) [M⁺—Ph], 359 (10), 135 (10) [Cp*], 78 (8) [Ph], 73 (100) [SCN—CH₃].

EXAMPLE 14 Synthesis of Compound 13 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with Pivalic Acid Nitrile

Pivalic acid nitrile (0.25 ml, 2.26 mmoles) was added drop-wise with stirring and at room temperature to a solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.94 g, 2.14 mmoles) in 60 ml hexane. This solution was kept for one week at room temperature and was subsequently evaporated to dryness, whereupon a yellow solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy. (95% conversion into compound 13).

¹H-NMR (500 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.19 (s, 9H, t-Bu), 1.47 (s, 3H, CH₃), (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.69 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.90, 1.80, 1.74 (s, 3H, CH₃), 4.85 (d, ⁴J(H,H)=2 Hz, 1H, C₅(CH₃)₄—CH), 6.68-6.60 (m, 1H, NH), 7.00 (dm, ³J(H,H)=7 Hz, 1H, o-Harom.), 7.13 (tt, ³J(H,H)=7 Hz, ⁴J(H,H)=2 Hz, 1 H, p-Harom.), 7.23 (tm, 2H, ³J(H,H)=7 Hz, IH, m-Harom.), 7.26 (tm, 2H, ³J(H,H)=7 Hz, IH, m-Harom.), 7.32 (dm, 2H, ³J(H,H)=7 Hz, 1H, o-Harom.), ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=9.45 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.2 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 12.1, 11.7, 11.3 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 29.5 (C(CH₃)₃), 34.9 (C(CH₃)₃), 90.9 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH), 117.0, 113.7 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂),117.1 C5(CH ₃)₅), 124.2 78 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂) 125.8 (pCarom.), 127.7, 127.4 (m-Carom.), 132.9 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 136.4 (o-Carom.), 138.0 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 141.0 (o-Carom.), 174.5 (CN), 192.9 (ipso-Carom.), ppm.

EXAMPLE 15 Polymerization of Ethylene

500 ml toluene, 0.1 ml TIBA and a solution in 2.5 ml toluene of 2.6 mg of compound 13 from Example 14 were placed in a 1.4 liter steel autoclave. This solution was maintained at a controlled temperature of 40° C. Ethylene was then added until the reactor internal pressure rose to 7 bar. Polymerization was initiated by adding a solution of 4.1 mg triphenylmethyl-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) borate in 5 ml toluene. After a duration of polymerization of 15 minutes at 40° C. and 7 bar, the autoclave was depressurized, the polymer was filtered off, washed with methanol, isolated and dried under vacuum for 20 hours at 60° C. 7.7 g of polyethylene were obtained.

EXAMPLE 16 Synthesis of Compound 14 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with 4-Chlorophenyinitrile

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.430 g, 0.98 mmoles) in 25 ml hexane was reacted at room temperature with 4-chlorophenyinitrile (0.135 g, 0.98 mmoles). The solution was kept for 3 days at room temperature and was subsequently evaporated to dryness, whereupon an orange solid was obtained which was characterized by NMR and by mass (100% conversion into compound 14).

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.48 (s, 314, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂),1.65 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.72, 1.77, 1.93 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 5.23 (d. 1H, ⁴J(H,H)=2.35 Hz, —CH═CN—), 6.60 (m, 1H, NH), 6.96-7.38 (m, 5 H, Zr—C₆ H ₅), 7.14 (d, 2H, ³J(H,H)=8.3 Hz, C₆ H ₄Cl), 7.35 (d, 2H, ³J(H,H)=8.3 Hz, C₆ H ₄Cl), ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=9.75, 11.38 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂),11.44 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.84, 12.40 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 95.86 (—CH═CN—), 114.40, 117.67 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 117.84 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 122.22, 123.37 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 124.57, 126.07 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 126.90 (C ₆H₄Cl), 128.93 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 129.04, 133.61 (C ₆H₄Cl), 136.39 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 137.30 (C ₆H₄Cl), 138.78 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 141.00 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 163.72 (—CH═CN—), 193.26 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅), ppm.

EXAMPLE 17 Polymerization of Ethylene

100 ml toluene were placed in a 250 ml glass reactor, followed by a 0.1 molar solution of triisobutylaluminum in toluene. A solution in 5 ml toluene of 5.8 mg of the orange solid from Example 16 was then added. Ethylene at a pressure of 1.1 bar was subsequently passed continuously into the solution through a gas inlet tube and the solution was stirred for 5 minutes at 40° C. Polymerization was initiated by adding 2 ml of a 0.005 molar solution of triphenylmethyl-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) borate in toluene. The reaction, which proceeded at a temperature of 40° C. and at an ethylene pressure of 1.1 bar, was stopped after a duration of polymerization of 10 minutes by adding 10 ml methanol, and the resulting polymer was filtered off, washed with methanol and dried in a vacuum drying oven. 2.14 g polyethylene were obtained.

EXAMPLE 18 Synthesis of Compound 15 Via Reaction of Cp*Fv*ZrPh with (2,6)-dimethyl-phenyl Isonitrile

A solution of Cp*Fv*ZrPh from Example 2 (0.120 g, 0.27 mmoles) in 10 ml hexane was treated at room temperature with (2,6)-dimethyl-phenyl isonitrile (0.036 g, 0.27 mmole) and was stirred overnight. The solution was separated by means of a syringe and the remaining orange solid was dried under high vacuum and was subsequently investigated by NMR spectroscopy. (yield: 44% of compound 15)

¹H NMR (300 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=1.25, 1.42 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.56 (s, 3H, —C═N—C₆H₃(CH ₃)₂), 1.63, 1.68 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄—CH₂), 1.80 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 2.24, 2.30, 2.63 (s, 3H, —C═N—C₆H₃(CH ₃)₂), 2.82 (d,1H, ²J(H,H)=15.70 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 2.90 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=15.70 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄—CHH), 6.98-7.24 (m, 9H, Zr—C₆ H ₅/—C═N—C₆ H ₃(CH₃)₂),), 7.84 (m, 2H, —C═N—C₆ H ₃(CH₃)₂) ppm. ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, C₆D₆): δ=10.13, 10.95, 11.70 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 11.88 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 13.26 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 17.94, 19.53, 20.65, 21.48 (—C═N—C₆H₃(CH₃)₂), 27.30 (C₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 113.87, 116.88 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 120.66 (C ₅(CH₃)₅), 120.95 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 122.05, 123.72 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 123.91 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 125.36 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 127.05, 127.63, 128.37. 128.69.128.72 (—C═N—C ₆H₃(CH₃)₂), 129.47 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 134.67 (C ₅(CH₃)₄—CH₂), 135.77 (Zr—C ₆H₅), 147.37, 154.84 (—C═N-ipso-C ₆H₃(CH₃)₂), 178.28 (—C═N—), 197.38 (Zr-ipso-C ₆H₅), 235.17 (Zr—C═N—) ppm.

EXAMPLE 19 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 6,6-Dimethylfulvene with Cp*TiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅(CH₃)₅) (C₅H₄)C(CH₃)₂TiCl], Compound 16

Cp*TiCl₃ (0.610 g, 2.11 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.054 9, 2.21 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 25 ml THF. 1.05 equivalents 6,6-dimethylfulvene (0.227 g, 2.14 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The batch was left overnight at room temperature with stirring, so that all the Mg was consumed. The solvent was removed under high vacuum and the residue was taken up in hexane. The magnesium chloride was filtered off and the solution was evaporated to half its volume, whereupon green, lustrous platelets were obtained. The batch was cooled to −20° C. to crystallize out the solid. The olive green crystals were isolated and dried under high vacuum. 0.429 g (59%) [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄) C(CH₃)₂TiCl] was obtained.

¹H NMR (C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.16 (s, 3H, C(CH ₃)₂),1.70 (5, 15 H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.75 (s, 3H, C(CH ₃)₂), 3.43, 4.65, 6.03, 6.70 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄) ppm. ¹³C NMR (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=12.82 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 22.76, 24.50 (C(CH₃)₂), 108.10 (C(CH₃)₂) 117.23, 117.46, 120.04, 124.09 (C ₄H₄), 122.55 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 132.16 (ipsoC ₅H₄) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 324 (40) [M⁺]288 (40) [M⁺—Cl, 135 (5) [Cp*], 106 (100) [dimethylfulvene].

EXAMPLE 20 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 6,6-Dimethylfulvene with Cp*ZrCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [C₅(CH₃)₅) (C₅H₄)C(CH₃)₂ZrCl], Compound 17

Cp*ZrCl₃ (0.380 g, 1.14 mmoles) and 1.1 equivalents magnesium (0.031 g, 1.26 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 10 ml THF. 1.1 equivalents 6,6-dimethylfulvene (0.134 g, 1.26 mmoles) were added drop-wise to this solution. The batch was left overnight with stirring, so that the magnesium dissolved completely. The batch was evaporated to dryness under high vacuum, taken up in 10 ml hexane and was filtered from the magnesium chloride formed. After drying under high vacuum, 197 mg (47%) [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄)C(CH₃)₂ZrCl] were obtained as a brownish-red solid.

¹H NMR: (C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.77 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 1.98, 1.99 (s, 3H, C(CH ₃)₂), 5.40 (dd, 1H, ³J(H,H)=2.69, 3.02 Hz, C₅ H ₄), 5.58 (dd,1H, ³J(H,H)=2.69, 2.68 Hz, C₅ H ₄), 5.85 (dd,1H, ³J(H,H)=2.68, 3.02 Hz, C₅ H ₄), 5.92 (dd,1H, ³J=2.69, 2.68 Hz, C₅ H ₄) ppm. ¹³C NMR: (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=10.98 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 21.35, 21.90 (C(CH₃)₂), 109.78 (C(CH₃)₂), 107.75, 110.68, 113.88, 118.11 (C ₅H₄), 115.69 (ipso-C ₅H₄), 122.35 (C ₅(CH₃)₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 366 (10) [M⁺], 330 (5) [M⁺—HCl], 259 (2), 135 (5) [Cp*], 106 (100) [dimethylfulvene].

EXAMPLE 21 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 6,6-Dimethylfulvene with CpTiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅H₅)(C₅H₄)C(CH₃)₂TiCl], Compound 18

CpTiCl₃ (0.410 g, 1.87 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.048 g, 1.96 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 20 ml THF. 1.03 equivalents 6,6-dimethylfulvene (0.204 g, 1.92 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The magnesium used was consumed after 3 hours. The batch was subsequently concentrated by evaporation under high vacuum and taken up in 20 ml hexane. After filtering off the solid, the solution was evaporated to half its volume under high vacuum. 0.2 g (42%) [(C₅H₅)(C₅H₄)C (CH₃)₂TiCl] was obtained as a dark green solid by crystallization at −20° C. ¹H NMR: (C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=0.94, 1.64 (s, 3H, C(CH ₃)₂), 3.66 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄), 4.76 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄), 5.80 (s, 5H, C₅H₅), 6.23 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄), 6.66 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄) ppm ¹³C NMR: (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=10.98 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 21.35, 21.90 (C(CH₃)₂), 109.78 (C(CH₃)₂), 107.75 110.68, 113.88, 118.11 (C₅H₄), 115.69 (ipso-C ₅H₄), 122.35 (C ₅(CH₃)₅) ppm.

EXAMPLE 23 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 6,6-Diphenylfulvene with Cp*TiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄) C(C₆H₅)₂TiCl], Compound 19

Cp*TiCl₃ (0.690 g, 2.38 mmoles) and 1.1 equivalents magnesium (0.064 g, 2.62 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 20 ml THF. 1.1 equivalents 6,6-diphenylfulvene (0.604 g, 2.62 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The batch was left overnight at room temperature with stirring, so that all the magnesium was consumed. The solvent was removed under high vacuum and the residue was taken up in hexane. The solid was filtered off and the solution was concentrated to half its volume. The batch was cooled −20° C. to effect crystallization, whereupon 0.29 g (27%) [(C₅(CH₃)₅) (C₅H₄)C(C₆H₅)₂TiCl] was obtained a a green solid.

¹H NMR:(C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.55 (s, 15 H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 4.20, 4.55, 5.89, 6.37 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄), 6.89-7.41 (m, 10H, C₆H₅) ppm. ¹³ C NMR:(C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=12.38 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 116.29, 117.24, 118.22, 121.82 (C ₄H₄), 124.04 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 125.61 (ipso-C ₅H₄), 126.50, 126.84, 127.26, 128.07, 128.83, 129.81 (C ₆H₅), 130.72 (—C(C₆H₅)), 141.93, 144.23 (ipso-C ₆H₅) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 448 (5) [M⁺], 413 (2) [M⁺—HCl], 230 (100) [6,6-di-phenylfulvene], 135(15) [Cp*], 78 (12) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 24 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by Reaction of 6,6-Diphenylfulvene with Cp*ZrCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄)C(C₆H₅)₂ZrCl], Compound 20

Cp*ZrCl₃(0.310 g, 0.93 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.024 g, 0.98 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 10 ml THF. 1.05 equivalents 6,6-diphenylfulvene (0.225 g, 0.98 mmoles) were added drop-wise to this solution. The batch was left overnight with stirring, so that the magnesium reacted completely. The batch was evaporated to dryness under high vacuum, taken up in 20 ml toluene and the solid was filtered off. After covering with hexane at −20° C., 178 mg (39%) [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄) C(C₆H₅)₂ZrCl] were obtained as a red solid.

¹H NMR:(C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.63 (s, 15 H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 4.65, 5.20, 5.22, 6.06 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄), 6.98-7.16 (m, 8H, C₆H₅), 7.26-7.49 (m, 2H, C₆H₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR:(C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=11.66 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 104.67, 111.14, 113.62. 117.52 (C ₄H₄), 120.82 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 125.61 (ipso-C ₅H₄), 126.50, 126.84, 127.26, 128.07,128.83, 129.81 (C ₆H₅), 130.72 (—C(C₆H₅)), 141.93,144.23 MS (70eV) m/e (%): 448 (5) [M⁺], 413 (2) [M⁺—HCl], 230 (100) [6,6-di-phenylfulvene], 135 (15) [Cp*], 78 (12) [Ph].

EXAMPLE 25 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 2,3,4,5-Tetramethylfulvene with Cp*TiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅(CH)₃)₅)(C₅(CH₃)₄) CH₂TiCl], Compound 21

Cp*TiCl₃ (0.370 g, 1.28 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.033 g, 1.35 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 25 ml THF. 1.05 equivalents 2,3,4,5-tetramethylfulvene (0.185 g, 1.35 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The batch was left overnight at room temperature with stirring, so that all the Mg was consumed. The solvent was removed under high vacuum and the residue was taken up in hexane. The solid was filtered off and the solution was evaporated to half its volume. The batch was cooled to −20° C. for crystallization, whereupon 0.23 g (52%) [(C₅(CH)₃)₅)(C₅(CH₅)₄)CH₂TiCl] was obtained as a green solid.

¹H NMR:(C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.21, 1.47, 1.70 (s, 3 11. C₅(CH ₃)₄═CH₂), 1.79 (s, 3 H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 2.07 (s, 3 H, C₅(CH ₃)₄═CH₂), 1.43 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=3.66 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄═CHH), 2.54 (d,1 H, ²J(H,H)=3.66 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄=CHH) ppm. ¹³C NMR:(C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=9.82, 10.22 (C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 11.13 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 11.85, 14.00 (C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 77.65 (C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 120.08 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 120.32, 124.43, 124.73, 128.61, 135.17 (C ₅(CH₃)₄═CH) ppm.

EXAMPLE 26 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 2,3,4,5-Tetramethylfulvene with CpTiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅H₅)(C₅(CH₃)₄) CH₂TiCl], Compound 22

CpTiCl₃ (0.350 g, 1.60 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0041 g, 1.67 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 20 ml THF. 1.1 equivalents 2,3,4,5-tetramethylfulvene (0.260 g, 1.67 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The magnesium used was consumed after 3 hours. The batch was subsequently evaporated under high vacuum and taken up in 20 ml hexane. After filtering off the solid, the dark green solution was evaporated to half its volume under high vacuum. 0.3 g (67%) [(C₅H₅)(C₅(CH₃)₄)CH₂TiCl] was obtained as a dark green solid by crystallization at −20° C.

¹H NM:(C₆D₆, 300 MHz):δ=0.82, 1.27, 1.74 (s, 3 H, C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 1.99 (d, 1H, ²J(H,H)=3.7 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄═CHH), 2.05 (s, 3 H, C₅(CH ₃)₄═CH₂), 2.56 (d, 1 H, ²J(H,H)=3.7 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄═CHH), 5.77 (s, 5H, C₅ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR: (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=9.47, 10.35, 12.01, 12.95 (C₅(CH₃)₄═CH₂), 74.47 (C₅(CH ₃)₄═CH₂), 110.80 (C ₅H₅), 119.92, 124.60, 127.82, 129.43, 134.80 (Chd 5(CH₃)₄═CH₂) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 283 (10) [M⁺], 247 (15) [M⁺—HCl], 134 (50) [2,3,4,5-tetramethylfulvene], 119 (100) [2,3,4,5-tetramethylfulvene-CH₄], 65 (30) [Cp].

EXAMPLE 27 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 1,2,3,4,6-pentamethylfulvene with CpTiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅H₅)(C₅(CH₃)₄)C(H) (CH₃)TiCl], Compound 23

CpTiCl₃ (0.450 g, 2.05 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.054 g, 2.15 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 20 ml THF. 1.03 equivalents 1,2,3,4,6-pentamethylfulvene (0.320 g, 2.15 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The magnesium used was consumed after 3 hours. The batch was subsequently evaporated under high vacuum and taken up in 20 ml hexane. After filtering off the solid, the solution was evaporated to half its volume under high vacuum. 0.17 g (28%) [(C₅H₅)(C₅(CH₃)₄)C(H)(CH₃)TiCl] was obtained as a dark green solid by crystallization at −20° C. de: 25%

¹H NMR: (C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=0.73, 1.12 (s, 3 H, C₅(CH ₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 1.64 (d, 3H, ³J(H,H)=7.25 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄═C(CH ₃)(H)), 1.71 (s, 3 H, C₅(CH ₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 2.29 (q, 1H, ³J(H,H)=7.25 Hz, C₅(CH₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 2.55 (s, 3H, C₅(CH ₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 5.79 (s, 5H, C₅ H ₅) ppm. ¹³C NMR: (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=10.87, 13.35, 16.19, 16.97 (C₅(CH₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 37.62 (C₅(CH₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 94.39 (C₅(CH₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)), 112.02 (C ₅H₅), 121.46, 125.56, 130.91, 131.46, 136.90 (C₅(CH₃)₄═C(CH₃)(H)) ppm.

EXAMPLE 28 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 6-Tert.-butylfulvene with Cp*TiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄)) C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)TiCl], Compound 24

Cp*TiCl₃ (0.450 g, 1.55 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.039 g, 1.63 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 15 ml THF. 1.05 equivalents tert.-butylfulvene (0.249 g, 1.63 mmoles) were added drop-wise at room temperature to this solution. The batch was left overnight at room temperature with stirring, so that all the magnesium was consumed. The solvent was removed under high vacuum and was taken up in hexane. The solid was filtered off and the solution was evaporated to half its volume. The batch was cooled to −20° C. for crystallization, whereupon 0.35 g (64%) [(C₅(CH₃)₅)(C₅H₄)) C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)TiCl] was obtained as green crystals. An X-ray structural analysis was performed from compound 24 (FIG. 2).

de: ≧98% ¹H NMR:(C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.16 (s, 9H, C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH ₃)₃)), 1.68 (s, 1H, C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 1.70 (s, 15H, C₅(CH ₃)₅), 3.15, 4.74, 5.97, 6.63 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)),) ppm. ¹³C NMR: (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=11.69 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 32.20 (C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 34.28 (C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 114.31 (C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 117.83, 118.31, 118.77 (C ₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 120.46 (C₅(CH₃)₅), 124.72, 128.23 (C ₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)) ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 353 (12) [M⁺]316(5) [M⁺—HCl], 270(18), 235 (8), 135 (100) [Cp*], 119 (35), 80 (85), 57 (90) [C(CH₃)₃].

EXAMPLE 29 Synthesis of a Fulvene Complex by the Reaction of 6-Tert.-butyl Fulvene with CpTiCl₃ in the Presence of Magnesium [(C₅H₅) (C₅H₄)C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)TiCl], Compound 25

CpTiCl₃ (0.420 g, 1.91 mmoles) and 1.05 equivalents magnesium (0.048 g, 2.01 mmoles) were placed in a vessel in 10 ml THF. 1.03 equivalents tert.-butylfulvene (0.295 9,1.91 mmoles) were added drop-wise to this solution at room temperature. The magnesium used was consumed after 3 hours. The batch was subsequently evaporated under high vacuum and taken up in 20 ml hexane. After filtering off the solid, the solution was evaporated to half its volume under high vacuum. 0.23 g (44%) [(C₅H₅)(C₅H₄) C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)TiCl] were obtained as dark green crystals by crystallization at −20° C.

de: ≧98% ¹H NMR:(C₆D₆, 300 MHz): δ=1.05 (s, 9H, C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH ₃)₃)), 2.05 (s, 1 H C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 3.28, 4.83 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)),) 5.85 (s, 5H, C₅ H ₅), 6 17, 6.59 (m, 1H, C₅ H ₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)),) ppm. ¹³C NMR: (C₆D₆, 75 MHz): δ=32.84 (C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 35.76 (C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), 111.23 (C ₅H₅), 111.63 (C₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)), 116.62, 117.41, 121.63, 127.65, 127.50 (C ₅H₄═C(H)(C(CH₃)₃)), ppm. MS (70eV) m/e (%): 282 (5) [M⁺], 246 (45) [M⁺—HCl], 228 (15), 135 (10) [Cp*], 119 (35).

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be limited by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A catalyst system prepared by a) a fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex of formula (I)

wherein M is a metal of the group comprising titanium, zirconium and hafnium, A denotes a cyclopentadienyl of formula C₅H_(q)R⁷ _(5−q), where q represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; or an indenyl of formula C₉H_(7−r)R⁷ _(r), where r represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7; or a fluorenyl of formula C₁₃H_(9−p)R⁷ _(p), where p represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, X denotes a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, a halogen atom or an amide of formula NR⁷ ₂, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano group, a C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ fluoroalkyl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ fluoroaryl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₂₀ aryl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, a C₂to C₁₀ alkynyl group, a silyl group substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radicals, a sulphide group substituted by a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radical, or an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ each form one or more aliphatic or aromatic ring systems together with the atoms which bond them, which ring systems may contain one or more hetero atoms (O, N, S) and comprise 5 to 10 carbon atoms, R⁷ represents hydrogen, a C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₆ to C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a silyl group which is substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, and b) an unsaturated compound of formula (II): R⁸ _(a)R⁹ _(b)CY  (II), wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are the same or different, and denote a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group which is optionally substituted by halogen atoms, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an imino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, Y denotes a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or a group of formula NR¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ has the same meaning as R⁸ and R⁹, and a and b represent the numbers 0 or 1, to form a reaction product and reacting said reaction product with c) a co-catalyst.
 2. A catalyst system according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of said fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex to said co-catalyst falls within the range from 1:0.1 to 1:10,000.
 3. A catalyst system according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of said fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex to said unsaturated compound falls within the range from 100:1 to 0.1:1.
 4. A method for making a catalyst system comprising the steps of reacting a) a fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex of formula (I):

wherein M is a metal of the group comprising titanium, zirconium and hafnium, A denotes a cyclopentadienyl of formula C₅H_(q)R⁷ _(5−q), where q represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; or an indenyl of formula C₉H_(7−r)R⁷ _(r), where r represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7; or a fluorenyl of formula C₁₃H_(9−p)R⁷ _(p), where p represents 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, X denotes a hydrogen atom, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, a halogen atom or an amide of formula NR⁷ ₂, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ are the same or different and represent hydrogen, a halogen, a cyano group, a C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ fluoroalkyl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ fluoroaryl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₂₀ aryl group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, a C₂to C₁₀ alkynyl group, a silyl group substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radicals, a sulphide group substituted by a C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radical, or an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, and R⁶ each form one or more aliphatic or aromatic ring systems together with the atoms which bond them, which ring systems may contain one or more hetero atoms (O, N, S) and comprise 5 to 10 carbon atoms, R⁷ represents hydrogen, a C₁ to C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₆ to C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a silyl group which is substituted by C₁-C₁₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, with b) an unsaturated compound of formula (II): R⁸ _(a)R⁹ _(b)CY  (II), wherein R⁸ and R⁹ are the same or different, and denote a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxy group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkyl group, a C₁ to C₁₀ alkoxy group, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryl group which is optionally substituted by halogen atoms, a C₆ to C₁₀ aryloxy group, a C₂ to C₁₀ alkenyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ arylalkyl group, a C₇ to C₄₀ alkylaryl group, a C₈ to C₄₀ arylalkenyl group, an amino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, or an imino group which is optionally substituted by C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon radicals, Y denotes a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom or a group of formula NR¹⁰, wherein R¹⁰ has the same meaning as R⁸ and R⁹, and a and b represent the numbers 0 or 1, to form a reaction product and reacting said reaction product with c) a co-catalyst.
 5. A method for making a catalyst system according to claim 4, wherein said fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex of formula (I) is produced by reacting a transition metal compound of formula (III): AX_(s)L_(n)M  (III), wherein A, X, and M have the same meaning as in claim 4, and s denotes the number 1, 2 or 3, L represents a neutral ligand, n is a number from 0 to 4, with a fulvene compound of formula (IV):

wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ have the same meanings as in claim 4; in the presence of a reducing agent.
 6. A method of producing the catalyst system according to claim 4, characterized in that the product of said fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex and said unsaturated compound is isolated and is subsequently reacted with said co-catalyst.
 7. A method of producing the catalyst system according to claim 4, characterized in that the product of said fulvene cyclopentadienyl metal complex and said unsaturated compound is reacted with said co-catalyst without prior isolation. 